Tax Time 2026: Small business guide to ATO compliance

Tax Time 2026: Small business guide to ATO compliance

Author: CPA Australia June 9, 2026 Duration: 10:59

Tax time can add to the stress of small business. 

So, to help reduce that worry, this episode is devoted entirely to small business issues for tax time 2026. 

With high-level expertise from the ATO's Angela Allen, assistant commissioner responsible for small business experience, in the studio with CPA Australia's tax lead Jenny Wong, explore the most common tax issues affecting small business, and how you can stay compliant. 

In this episode, you'll gain valuable information on: 

  • The most common tax time mistakes made by small businesses 

  • Why accurate record keeping is still critical for compliance 

  • The ATO's key focus areas for small business audits and reviews 

  • How data matching is changing tax reporting and enforcement 

  • What businesses need to know about Payday Super changes 

  • How the instant asset write-off applies this financial year 

  • Why cashflow management is essential for meeting obligations 

  • The support tools and learning resources available for business owners 

  • How the ATO is addressing shadow economy activity and tax evasion 

  • Why early engagement with advisers and the ATO can prevent bigger problems 

Tune in now. 

Host: Jenny Wong, tax lead, CPA Australia 

Guest: Angela Allen, assistant commissioner at the ATO, responsible for small business experience 

And of course, you can head to the ATO website or you can download the ATO app. 

The ATO also has online services and you can go to the ATO website and search verify or report a scam or how to stay scam safe for more information. And you can phone the ATO on 1800 008 540. 

Loving this episode? 

Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts 

And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. 

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: 

Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au 

Chapters:

00:00 Cash Flow Pressure for Small Businesses and When to Contact the ATO

00:16 Tax Time 2026 Overview with Angela Allen, Australian Taxation Office

01:00 Common Small Business Tax Time Mistakes and Record‑Keeping Errors

02:06 ATO Record‑Keeping Tools: Recordkeeping Evaluation and myDeductions App

02:38 ATO Small Business Compliance Focus Areas for 2026

02:58 ATO Small Business Compliance Risks: Income Reporting, Employer Super Obligations, and Cash‑in‑Hand Payments

04:08 ATO Small Business Tax Time Toolkit and Online Learning Resources

05:27 Managing Cash Flow Stress and Early Engagement with the ATO

05:51 Tax Time 2026 Changes: TPAR Reporting and Pre‑Fill Data

06:37 Instant Asset Write‑Off Rules for Small Businesses

06:56 Payday Super Starting 1 July and Employer Readiness

07:18 Staying Compliant Year‑Round Using Digital Tax Tools

08:15 GST, PAYG Withholding, Superannuation, and Cash Flow Planning

09:05 ATO Priorities on the Shadow Economy and Cash‑in‑Hand Payments

10:26 Episode Wrap‑Up and CPA Australia Resources

#taxtime #smallbusiness #smallbusinesstax #compliance #ATO


Tune in to With Interest for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping the world of business and finance. Presented by CPA Australia, this weekly discussion moves beyond the headlines to explore the practical implications of change for accounting professionals, business leaders, and anyone with a stake in the economic landscape. You’ll hear from practitioners and experts who break down complex topics in auditing, taxation, and corporate strategy into actionable insights. The conversations in this podcast are grounded in real-world application, whether the subject is a shift in regulatory frameworks, emerging leadership challenges, or broader economic trends. It’s a resource designed to inform your decisions and deepen your understanding of the professional landscape. For those looking to stay current and think critically about their work, With Interest provides a reliable and engaging audio companion. Each episode serves as a timely update and a catalyst for deeper professional reflection, all delivered with the authority and depth you would expect from CPA Australia.
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